30-year-old Nigerian man dies after collapsing during football match in North Cyprus

A 30-year-old Nigerian national, Valentine Nnaemeka Obi, tragically lost his life after collapsing while playing football at an indoor pitch in Küçük Kaymaklı, Lefkoşa in north Cyprus on Friday eveing.

The incident occurred on Friday 5 September 2025, between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., while Obi, a resident of Lefkoşa, was playing a match with friends. He suddenly fell ill on the pitch and was immediately rushed to Dr. Burhan Nalbantoğlu State Hospital. Despite all medical efforts, he could not be saved.

According to a police statement, a physical examination carried out by the attending doctor on Obi’s body showed no signs of assault or violence. 

Authorities confirmed that the cause of death will be determined through an autopsy, and the investigation is ongoing.

The sudden death has deeply saddened the Nigerian community in north Cyprus, as Obi was described as a young man who enjoyed sports and an active lifestyle.